So You Want to be a Soil Scientist?By: Shay Karenke
What is a soil scientist? A soil scientist is someone who studies the upper few meters of the Earth's crust in terms of it's physical properties, distribution, genesis, chemical properties, morphology, and biological components.
Why soil?
it is a medium for waste disposal
it helps to distribute and store water and nutrient
it supports the environment
maintains growth, sustainence,and development
it provides support for structures
What does a soil scientist do? A soil scientist could...
...study the composition of soils on Mars to determine what elements they contain.
...chemically evaluate soil nutrient levels in a farming community to determine what types of crops would grow best there.
...evaluate soil from an archaeological site to determine how the area previously looked.
...determine the likelihood of erosion.
Two Types of Soil Scientist
Agricultural-focus on the food and farming aspects of soil. Example: farm advisors, crop consultants, or representatives of agricultural companies.
Environmental-focus on the soil's role in a healthy ecosystem. Example: water quality concerns, remediation of contaminants, on-site evaluation of soil properties.
Work Environment Soil scientists work regular hours both indoors in labs and offices and outside doing field work. Equipment includes digging and gathering tools such as shovels, trowels, and buckets as well as testing equipment.
What does it take?
Good critical thinking skills
The ability to communicate clearly
Willingness to get dirty!
A bachelor's degree in soil science or other related field
Payment/Job Outlook
$58,390
Between 2006-2016 opportunities in soil science are projected to grow at an average 7-13%.
What is a soil scientist?
A soil scientist is someone who studies the upper few meters of the Earth's crust in terms of it's physical properties, distribution, genesis, chemical properties, morphology, and biological components.
What does a soil scientist do?
A soil scientist could...
...study the composition of soils on Mars to determine what elements they contain.
...chemically evaluate soil nutrient levels in a farming community to determine what types of crops would grow best there.
...evaluate soil from an archaeological site to determine how the area previously looked.
...determine the likelihood of erosion.
Two Types of Soil Scientist
Work Environment
Soil scientists work regular hours both indoors in labs and offices and outside doing field work. Equipment includes digging and gathering tools such as shovels, trowels, and buckets as well as testing equipment.
What does it take?
Payment/Job Outlook
Where do you find career opportunites?
- Soil Science Society of America
www.soils.org- National Society of Consulting
Soil Scientists- www.nscss.org/jobs.htmlResources